I dunno, as soon as he felt the child was in actual danger i’m sure* he would have given up on the ball/beer all together and grabbed her. I reckon the whole act was instinct - ball/kid/beer and as soon as one of them started to go the kid would be prioritised! I’ve never done anything like that but can kinda see where he is coming from.
*well, not sure! Fuck knows to be honest - i do see your point. My first impression was just - nice catch 
Both mine seem to bounce well anyway so who knows what is right!?!